Bonnie's Grill
Categories: Bars, American (Traditional) [Edit]
Neighborhood: Brooklyn/Park Slope278 5th Avenue
(between 1st St & 4th Ave)
Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 369-9527
- Nearest Transit:
Union St (M, R)
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: No
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Best Nights: Tue, Wed, Sun
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
65 Reviews for Bonnie's Grill
Great music. Cheaply priced beer. Nice people. Good burgers and chicken sandwich with brie. Fries are good too. They even play Black Sabbath now and then-- to keep the annoying people at Blue Ribbon, which is next door. What more do you want?
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I've been on a yearlong search of the best burgers in NY and Bonnie's is a definite contender. I had a spiced black angus sirloin cheddar burger with everything (including jalapenos, yum) and it was large, messy as hell and super tasty. The only knock is that I think they could use better buns in lieu of their kaiser roll...I prefer a softer, more buttery bun for my burgers, but no big deal. My girl had the turkey burger and she said it was delish. If you don't want fries as an accompaniment to your burger they offer spiced cole slaw, chili or soup as optional sides.
The overall feel is of a small laid-back 50s diner. It was crowded (the place fits maybe 20 people total including the counter) so the service was a bit slow but very friendly. They also had a lot of beer options too if you want booze with your burger. I'll definitely be back for more.
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I have nothing more to add except, "Get the hot wings." The large plate. And something delicious and Canadian on tap.
Good comfort food. It's a great place in the neighborhood to have a casual meal (usually on some form of bun/bread), with beer.
I LOVE their vegetarian chili cheese fries. I'm not a vegetarian. I've learned to order them as my meal if I want them, because I end up bringing home whatever I ordered with it. I even got them once after having an unsatisfying meal at Perch down the street (seriously, we left, and I suggested, "let's go get vegetarian chili cheese fries," to which my companion responded, "okay!!!"). Needless to say, I haven't ever left Bonnie's unsatisfied.
Their wings are pretty good, too. So is the pulled pork and the burgers. I just wish they were opened later.
It's great to see them cooking when you're sitting at the counter, too. I like transparency at restaurants, because you get to see how they handle your food before it gets to you. No hidden roaches.
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definitely the best wings on 5th. it's totally no-frills, "real" comfort food, with high quality meat. it reminds me of a place i went to in memphis where they served only pork products and pickles--no fries even. bonnie's doesn't go that far but it's close. if you're looking for variety, buf wild wings on flatbush with their 900 sauce variations is probably a better bet. but if you want just excellent, normal wings in hot, medium or mild, look no farther.
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Pullled pork, barbeque wings--the best, hamburger, super freshly made fries, cold beer, and a portbello mushroom sandwich to satisfy any veggie's desires. Problem is that they take no reservations but you can breeze right in at 6 pm for dinner and earlier on weekends for lunch. A bit cramped but well worth the visit.
As for drinks before or after, try Loki lounge, two blocks away, $3 draft beers at weekday happy hour, a quiet bunch of drinkers and soft couchs in the back make for talking to friends without drunkard yahoos bothering you. Also, Mike the bartender is great
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My boyfriend ordered a catfish burger but instead he got a veggie burger. We didn't say anything b/c it was pretty good and decided to eat it anyway. We joked it was either the best veggie burger ever or the WORST catfish sandwich ever. Well it turns out it was catfish. Good god don't order this. I'm skeptical of anywhere that can make fish taste like black beans. The pulled pork BBQ sandwich was so-so but the portion was huge. Also the sandwiches come with a side, so I got chili but it was kinda bland, like a bean dip.. or was it catfish? Maybe you are just supposed to order wings here.
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This is one of my top 5 favorite restaurants in my neighborhood-too bad I will only allow myself to eat it once a month or so because it's super heavy comfort food; something one has to eat in moderation.
When I go here I don't waste any time opening the menu (which for some may be too limited to burgers, fries, or wings)-I wouldn't know what to do with myself if I came here and didn't get a burger (with grilled jalapenos of course). The wings are really amazing too. A group of us tried the medium spicy wings once and we were all literally crying-but I like it that way.
Try this place if you love burgers!
Bonnie's is the little oasis of non-fussy, good ol' comfort food on an avenue that seems to be predominately Asian or Mexican restaurants. Don't get me wrong, I love my sushi and burrito- but - damn it, I'm American. I love warm greasy, deep fried everything. I am not a lawyer, but I am pretty sure there is a "right to bear a deep fryer" amendment written in the constitution.
Bonnie's burgers, which come in the variety of beef, turkey, portobello mushroom, or veggie, are OK and sometimes not as juicy and hot as I want them. However, their wings hit the spot. There is also an option for a mountain of chili nachos, which is a great appetizer for a table of 3-4 people. The fries are a must get side dish, since they preemptively provide you with the undeniably delicious chipotle mayo on the table. The menu also offers other home-cooking delights that range from healthy (soups, salads, and other vegetarian options) to the not-so-healthy (hot Italian sausage). Plus, they have the most delicious canned beer I have tasted called Genesee Cream Ale. So good.
My favorite part about Bonnie's is that everything about it is chill. The decor has a fifties diner in the middle of nowhere Nevada vibe to it. One time when I ate there, they played non-stop Kinks songs- all the greats. The last time I went there, I saw a guy with a newborn baby in his arms cover the baby with an unfolded napkin in order to hold his child with one arm, and eat a huge, drippy burger over the baby with his other. How Park Slope is that?
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I like Bonnie's Grill. In the din of all the restaurants on Fifth, in between the giants of Blue Ribbon Sushi and Al di la, sits Bonnie's, windows open, the smell of a grill and a deep fryer luring you in like no other sensation.
A really tasty burger, and an equally tasty turkey burger, as well as tasty fries, tasty coleslaw, and tasty wings. Everything's pretty tasty.
It's no Corner Bistro, but this ain't no diner, either.
When the weather's nice they'll also usually keep their doors open; it's perfect for a beer and a little bit of American food to bring back memories of springtime in New York.
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My mouth waters as I am writing this review. The wings here are fabulous and I will definitely vouch for them any day!
I've been here three times in the last three months and can say Bonnie's is worth going back every time! Usually I order the mild wings since they have a kick to them already, but my most recent visit, I decided to venture out and experience the hot with my friend.
Boy! Was that a mistake. Our mouths were on fire and we couldn't split the 10 wings between us! The burgers here are delicious as well, but if you had to choose between the wings or burgers, I would do the wings!
Bonnie's is quite cozy inside and a nice place to go for beer and wings. I highly recommend this establishment!
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I really wanted to love this place. And the only reason I gave it two stars instead of one is because the wings (that I didn't order) smelled amazing and I am going to come back to give them a shot. In other words, this review is subject to change depending on how those wings taste!
I came here one Sunday afternoon not too long ago with a group of friends.
The good:
They sat us, a group of 6, almost immediately upon arrival.
The bad:
The food. I ordered soup and a grilled chicken sandwich. The soup was "meh," at best. It tasted canned and not worth whatever it is that I paid for it. The grilled chicken was almost completely coated with black pepper and deemed inedible - not to mention the fact that it just fell apart when I picked it up.
As I said before, the wings looked and smelled amazing so I will be back to check those out. But rest assured, I wont be ordering the soup or grilled chicken sandwich when I do.
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a very solid 3.5-as the recession nears (or is it on i didn't get the memo) I have been doing some math oen and pencil style and I can't be eating at blue ribbon-so I hopped on over to Bonnie's. I remembered when bonnie's opened and had not been there since 1999-why? I have no idea. I scarfed down my portobello burger, washing it down with some original cider and crunched away on their delectable fries.
They have mountain dew on the menu!!!
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Bonnie's is among my top two favorite burger places in the city. I don't think I have ever had anything but a burger here because they are that good. What else is there to say? It's a diner, the burgers are great, the beer is cold, you can sit at the counter and watch all the food being cooked, it's pretty much no-frills deliciousness.
Got my superbowl wings from here because it was the closest to my path of driving and I read some good stuff online. It was either Bonnie's or Cluck U.
I was looking for unbreaded wings which they had here. I ordered 50 hot wings a day in advance. The wings were moderately spicy but they kept getting stuck in my teeth. I have no idea why. And it was an uncomfortable feeling. The kind where you rush for a toothpick or dental floss to get it out it ASAP. I think parts of the chicken that fried up extra crispy was the culprit.
Either way it ruined my experience and I ended up eating only about 6wings...but the ones I had were good otherwise.
Not the best wings I've ever had, but it was decent.
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Decent food at a decent price sums up Bonnie's. They aren't creating a food revolution but they have excellent wings, and the burgers are pretty awesome too. Great place to go if you are in need of the basics of american cuisine.
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the burgers are amazing, the slaw is amazing, the chili and soups are completely transcendent. its a great place to sit and chow down on good, yummy, comfy food.
also, the staff is completely rad. super nice dudes, all around.
if you dont feel like dropping a ton of cash at blue ribbon next door (or jostling for a table), this is a much cozier, equally tasty alternative.
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I am a HUGE fan of this place. Cute and cozy atmosphere, good prices, big beautiful burgers, delicious crispy fries, and super-hot meaty hot wings.
There isn't much seating and this night it was particularly full so the waiter suggested we sit at the bar, but since I didn't want to face a big fluorescent lit fridge while I ate, we opted for take-out instead. Two avenues and 7 streets later, the food was equally delicious in my bedroom and I can't wait to go back, although I think I'll opt for the "hot" wings this time instead of the "hotter" wings - phew!
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A Buffalo oasis/outpost that knows what they do....beef on weck, Labatts, and wings (with franks...). Any questions?
Go early and go hungry. Bonnie's Grill represents everything a neighborhood place should be. Amazing food, super fries (who does not love the mayo?), comfy surroundings, amazing vegie options and even better prices. Few tables so go early to snag one or simply slunker down at the bar - but beware of sitting too close to the grill. While more and more restaurants keep arriving in park slope, Bonnie's will always have my heart.
Went here the other night looking for a good burger for some friends who were visiting. They were very impressed, and also had rave reviews about the hot wings. If you go on a busy night, however, you're going to wait considering how few tables are available... and service was pretty slow-going as well.
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Best Burgers / Best Wings I had in NYC.
The key to the burger is to have them add the chili's. Adds a little kick to your burger but not too hot where it will bowl you over. They make their wings per batch so you can see them cooking it right there when you order. Their mayo / chipotle sauce for your fries is also great.
Seriously, this is one of the few places I really miss since living in Austin. Their burgers rock and you can't match their wings (Blondies, etc blows big time once you try them here) plus the atmosphere is nice and they make everything right there, not in large batches.
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YUM! burgers and wings! one of the best in nyc! beware of huge portions...
Veggie choices are not as abundant over in Park Slope, at least in my experience, but Bonnie's gets it down pat wit their burger. Wackily spicy and savory, it's a burger that I tried once and thought about countless times after. I haven't had the veggie chili myself, but I know about six people that say it reminds them of home & the ultimate comfort food.
Go to Bonnie's hungry - otherwise you might not be able to finish your burger and every last one of your fries, which if you're like me, will make you very cross.
I considered taking off a star for slow service, but then I added it right back on for the good selection of cheap beer, chipotle mayo, and malt vinegar to squirt on your french fries. Hallelujah!
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I have a theory that everything at Bonnie's is hot and spicy. I have drawn this up this theory from two observations: One, everything is spicy; two, it says "Hot & Spicy Bonnie's Grill" on their menu.
But the food is great and it's an excellent diner-style atmosphere.
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Alright I'm updating this post now to reflect the fact that I eat here weekly and have a significantly matured view on the burger.
I hereby pronounce this the best burger in New York, and as someone born and raised in Los Angeles I have the vested authority to do so. In order to fully appreciate this burger you must order it with Canadian bacon and jalapeos and put the chipotle mayo on it. Also note that they have blue cheese and will put it on your burger even though it's not on the menu. You should also eat your burger over your ketchup/chipotle mayo mix so that the drippings get in there and you can dip your fries in it.
As for other things on the menu:
Beef on Weck - Juicy, adequate amount of horse raddish
Wings - Amazing, they say that they're really spicy, but I could tolerate the hottest wings, which means they weren't crazy hot
Fries - Perfect, not too thick and just crispy enough
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I am officially in love with this place.
Hot burgers, hot sauce, great fries, great service, basketball on the TV and cold beer (pitchers, no less!). More food than I could finish for under $10.
Yep, I'm in love.
+1 for the jalapenos
+1 for real cheese and angus beef
+1 for the view from the counter.
Avoid the coon-ass hot sauce unless you are into pain.
If they served milkshakes I would move in.
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Bonnie's Grill is a diner. Great burgers and vegetarian chili cheese fries. This was amazing after a long night on New Year's! Yummy!
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Posh Park Slope neighbors have been complaining to the city about the grilled hamburger smell that pervades this block of 5th avenue. Jeesh.
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great burgers, nice fries.
the wings weren't as spicy as I anticipated( the waitress was psyching us out!) but hey, im a freak.
I know this place is mostly catered to those who love to stuff their faces with a meaty meat burger....but...I like to stuff mine with veggie veg burger. And, I'll tell you, this one is damn good. Especially with those homemade pickled jalapenos on top and a bottle o' Lone Star to wash it down. The chili is great too, and its also vegetarian. Stuff your face then walk down two doors to Great Lakes to drown yourself in booze.
Addendum 3/26/07
WARNING: DO NOT DOUSE BURGER WITH "SMOKIN COON ASS" HOT SAUCE.
you know that thing where you puke a little in your mouth? yeah.
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I don't think I've ever annointed a dish "the best" anything. But this is, hands down, the best burger I've ever eaten.
I ordered it medium, with cheddar. At first glance, I was disappointed by what looked like a stingy sprinkle of grated cheese. But when I bit in, juicy juices burst forth, a revelation: no extra cheese needed to moisten things up!
Usually I get about half-way through a burger, and keep eating out of habit. Here, w\ith chipotle mayo, ketchup and fixins, I swooned, and ate every last bite in rapture, and finished wanting more.
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I must be missing why this place has such high reviews. The veggie chili cheese fries were bland. The hamburger I ordered medium-well was burnt on the outside and medium-rare on the inside. The cook tonight needs to learn how to turn the flame down on his grill to cook a burger correctly.
On the upside my girlfriend thought her custom made salad was good. She got veggie burger crumbles, goat cheese, pumpkin seeds and olives. Sounds odd but it was tasty and the best part of dining here. The waiters attitude when she asked which dressing he recommends on the other hand was not appreciated.
How in the hell people rave about these burgers I do not know. If you want a good burger and are unfortunate enough to not be invited to my place to take in the joys of the Weber grill, you are much better off going to the Burger Joint at the Parker Meridian in Midtown or Pauls Place in the East Village.
I know it's redundant for me to post about the superiority of Bonnie's burgers over that of say, Corner Bistro. My boyfriend (a psloper) is the one who introduced me (LES-er) to Bonnie's. My boyfriend is so cool. Na na na.
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There is this orange sauce to dip the fries in, or you can squirt it on your burger. Just find it and use it because it's great.
I order it RARE!!! So that it weighs more. I feel like rare meet is lower in fat. In fact, I know it is. For a fact.
I wouldn't say: the best burgers ever!!! because I love In-n-Out Burger but I do thank my lucky stars that this place is right down the block from me. Sometimes I fantasize about emptying my bank account and just shuttling back and forth between Blue Ribbon Sushi and Bonnie's Grill until I feel sick or run out of cash.
I LOVE: burgers
I WISH: bigger rootbeer
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Whenever I feel like I've neglected my beef intake for the week, I always find that it's a wise choice to head down to Bonnie's Grill for a tasty Angus Burger with my choice of Cheddar, Swiss, or American Cheese and a generous helping of fries.
While I ingest the Best Burger in Brooklyn I sometimes start to believe that maybe god does exist and he put the cow on earth for a man to love...or more specifically, for man to love to eat. As I chew on this masterpiece of tastiness I am also reminded that vegetarianism is silly.
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The best burgers in the area and the perfect thing to round out a night in the neighborhood. This cozy joint can get a bit too cozy on a busy night, but the grub is well worth the wait!
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Catfish burger! Yummy. And all fries are served with their chiptle mayo, because ketchup just isn't good enough for these masters of comfort cuisine! Small and dark interior, good drinks too - awesome place to come on a weekday and stay a while.
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I was there to sample the wings and have a few beers while friends ate. Being upstate NY gals, we have high standards but I'll be coming back. Wings were lightly fried with the perfect hot sauce and butter balance, plus good blue cheese dressing. (We ordered medium with extra hot sauce on the side and it was just right.) My friend did not love the beef in the beef on Weck (and they were out of Weck) and another friend liked the pulled pork, but the roll was falling apart. Personally, I would have had no issue but I think he wanted a sandwich, not a platter. Great beer selection and friendly service will bring me back, and I plan to order a burger since they looked amazing.
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